Stylist Justine Marjan Breaks Down Ashley Graham's Most Iconic Hair Looks
When it comes to hair, Ashley Graham is known for her classic, lustrous supermodel waves, but that trademark look didn't just appear out of thin air. It's all thanks to Justine Marjan, Graham's longtime hairstylist. Marjan sat down with Allure to explain the inspiration behind some of the model's most famous styles. She also shares how she created each look, and TBH, we're even more impressed with Marjan's handiwork now that we know just how much detail went into every one of Graham's appearances, from Hollywood after-parties to the Met Gala.
Marjan said she looks to Old Hollywood references like Brigitte Bardot, and, yes, even Jessica Rabbit when creating red carpet looks for Graham. If Graham is on set, she explains, she leaves her curlers and pins in until the last minute to make sure the look is perfect. But when it comes to live shows and appearances, like when Graham hosted the Miss Universe pageant last year, Marjan revealed that backstage is "chaos." "We probably did six or seven looks," Marjan says of Miss Universe. She says she makes it through days like that by using lightweight products that won't weigh down Graham's hair, even as it's repeatedly processed.
Even for styles that look simple — like a half-up bun Graham wore to an Emmys after-party — there's no such thing as just throwing your hair up on top of your head in Marjan's world. As she explains, she decides how to size each client's top knot depending on their facial proportions. For Graham, she measured out a half-bun by gathering hair starting from the edge of the eyebrows.
Then there are the styles that have more going on underneath the hair than is visible to red carpet cameras. Remember when Graham showed up at the Met Gala with an above-the-shoulder lob? That look was a total fake out. "This is six or eight inches shorter than her natural hair," says Marjan. She braided Graham's natural hair, pinned it to the crown of the head, and clipped in shorter extensions to create the appearance of a lob.
Watch the full video below for details on the above styles and more — including Marjan's texture tips and product go-tos.
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